Mega Events Fund's Tier-2 scheme opens for fourth-round applications
********************************************************

     The Government announced today (December 5) that the fourth round of applications for the Mega Events Fund (MEF) under its Tier-2 scheme will open on December 8.

     Eligible local non-profit-making organisations are invited to apply for MEF funding support to organise mega arts, cultural, sports and entertainment events in Hong Kong on or before March 31, 2017.

     Applications will close at noon on January 9, 2015. Application details, including the application form, the guide to application and some frequently asked questions, are available on the MEF's dedicated website (www.tourism.gov.hk/english/mef/mef_tier2.html). Completed application forms should be sent to the Secretariat of the Mega Events Fund Assessment Committee at 22/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.

     A briefing session for those who are interested in applying for MEF funding support will be held on December 19 at 11am at the Training cum Lecture Room, 5/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong, to enable them to better understand the requirements of the MEF. For reservation of seats for the briefing session, please contact the Assessment Committee Secretariat on or before December 15 by telephone (2810 2500) or email (mefsecretariat@cedb.gov.hk).

     The Assessment Committee, which comprises members from relevant sectors, will consider the MEF applications and monitor the implementation progress of the MEF-supported events. In assessing the applications, the Assessment Committee members will take into account a number of factors, including the economic benefits, public relations and other benefits of the events; the scale and feasibility; the background, governance structure, resources, capability and track record of the applicants; and the reasonableness of the event's budget. For details, please refer to the assessment criteria for applications and the scoring guidelines for assessment, which are available on the MEF's dedicated website.

Ends/Friday, December 5, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:16

NNNN